O’Connor moves on for personal reasons
FORMER Fiji Rugby chief executive officer John O’Connor said after an amount of reflection, it was the best time for him to move on.
As such, he said he tendered his resignation to the Fiji Rugby Union chairman, Humphrey Tawake, citing personal reasons.
FRU board member Tevita Tuiloa will act as the interim CEO until the postition is filled.
O’Connor, who has been FRU CEO since joining in 2016, said his biggest achievement was getting to know the Lord.
“We’ve gone through the last six years, the challenges and also good achievements and I think for me the biggest achievement while with Fiji Rugby is coming to know the Lord and committing myself to him,” he said.
“At Fiji Rugby we didn’t realise that when God is leading anything is possible.
“I wish the board and Tuiloa the best; I’ll be working with Tuiloa just to ensure a smooth transition, everything remains with FRU.
“I would like to thank the board of directors; I acknowledge and thank the former chair (Francis) Kean for his confidence and transitioning me from the NFA (National Fire Authority) to FRU.
“I thank all the supporters, affiliated unions for their support, I thank also the sponsors for their support and assistance during my time and I thank World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, our partners and stakeholders for their support. “I look forward to their continued support to Mr Tuiloa as he acts in the position.
“Coming in to the six years I started feeling the energy coming out so I decided it was the right time for a new person to come in.
“It’s a new year and we’re shifting KPIs for the next year and I think it’s unfair that I be involve in that.
“The new person that comes in will set plans and take responsibility and accountability.
“I am not going away, rugby is in my blood, I’ll be around enjoying some rugby rather than being an administrator and see what is ahead of me.
“I have some priorities that I have to look after immediately; personal matter and I will see where the journey takes me.”
He said when he started, Fiji Rugby was divided and the main focus was to bringing the unions together.
In his tenure as CEO, two Olympics gold medals, one bronze, Super W women’s champion title were the achievement done under his leadership.
“As I’ve said, the biggest achievement was finding the Lord while working for Fiji Rugby.
“In the midst of all the challenges, I became a devoted Christian which I am focusing on, focusing on God’s work in my life.
“Someone has to come in with new thinking and take Fiji Rugby to greater heights from where we are now.”
Tawake said the day-of-day operation at Rugby House would continue as normal with teams preparing for international meets and the domestic competition at home.
“Our international and local commitments carry on and there is nothing that will have an impact and all our stakeholders including the trustees will be officially informed accordingly through the proper channels,” he said.